Wet or dry? Voters weigh in on upcoming liquor question during hearing

Thursday

May 22, 2014 at 3:15 AM

Approximately 35 voters turned out at the town’s recent public hearing regarding the upcoming vote to allow, or not allow, businesses in Shapleigh to apply for liquor licenses. Currently, the Town of Shapleigh is dry.

Public comments at the hearing were split, with some in favor of allowing liquor license, and some oppose. Some residents stated that they would be OK with the selling of “beer and wine” only; however, they could not support “hard liquor.”

The Romanos, who own the Shapleigh Corner Store, clearly stated that selling beer and wine was their only intentions; however, liquor licenses from the State of Maine are exactly that — Liquor. It would be the choice of each individual business whether or not to apply to the state and town for beer and wine, liquor or both. Therefore, if the liquor questions passes during the referendum on June 10, the Romanos may only apply for “beer and wine” but other current establishments or others coming into Shapleigh could essentially serve hard liquor as well.

Polls will be open at the Shapleigh Town Hall on Back Road on Tuesday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A “yes” vote on the local ballot will mean you are in favor of selling liquor in town, whereas a “no” vote will mean you are opposed and would like the town to stay dry.

AND MANY MORE ...

Members of the Acton Conservation Committee joined together last week to celebrate Bill Hutchins’s 90th birthday at their monthly meeting. Hutchins and his wife, Pat, have lived in Shapleigh since the late 1950s, and he has been a member of the conservation committee for more than 20 years.

Thanks to the home cooking of member Charles Gruber, the committee enjoyed a tasty dessert to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Bill — may you have many more to come!

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The following is a letter from the principal at Shapleigh Memorial School.

“Last year, the Maine Department of Education initiated a ‘school report card’ program where all schools in the state are rated on an A-through-F scale. Last year, Shapleigh Memorial School received a rating of ‘C,’ along with the majority of schools in Maine. This week, the MDOE released this year’s report card. Shapleigh Memorial School has received a rating of ‘D.’

“The rating is based solely on the annual NECAP (New England Comprehensive Assessment Program) standardized testing data in the areas of math and reading. A points system is used to determine placement of the scale. A score of 225 is the benchmark for a school to achieve a ‘C’ rating. Shapleigh Memorial School received a score of 222.5.

“As a school, we will review this information as part of our continued commitment to provide quality educational experiences for your child. As principal of this school, I can unequivocally state this is not a ‘D’ school. The majority of national education organizations, student/school advocacy groups, educational consultants and educators all agree that a one-time standardized test score is a poor indicator of a student or school’s performance. An examination of our NWEA testing data shows that, year after year, many of our students continue to meet or exceed expected growth benchmarks in reading and math. The NWEA, common assessments, daily work and progress monitoring are all indicators for evaluating growth. We use all of these data points to inform and improve our instruction.

“As a school, we will not ignore or dismiss this information provided to us by the MDOE. We will work with it as one of many indicators of school performance. As a faculty, staff and student body, we consider ourselves to be an ‘A’ school, and I believe the majority of evidence, tangible and intangible, would support that assertion. We will examine all data available to us and use that information as we strive to continually improve what is an excellent school and wonderful place to experience as a child. We will use this grade as a motivator to prove to you, the parents, that we and our students can achieve at a much higher level. We invite all of you to partner with us in this journey toward success.

“If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call (636-1751).”

4-H CLUB HONORS HAZEL GOODWIN

Members of the 4-H Leaf Clover Club welcomed two new members and celebrated sixty years of 4-H leadership for Hazel Goodwin at their recent meeting at the First Baptist Church. A total of 32 people enjoyed a potluck supper followed by demonstrations given by members on their projects. Goodwin was given a bouquet of flowers and a heartfelt “thank you” for all her years of devotion to this 4-H group.

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